Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has cosponsored a bipartisan bill that would lead to several million in funding for American Samoa’s wildlife preservation efforts, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA), H.R.2773.

Congresswoman Amata also cosponsored two earlier versions of this bill in prior Congresses. Each time, the bill, led by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), along with Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and other Members of Congress, has gained support.

The bill is expected to lead to approximately $3.6 million in yearly grants for American Samoa, centered on efforts to conserve wildlife and marine species, as identified in the Territory’s Wildlife Action Plan. This year’s updated bill would allow funds to be used for conservation and preservation, along with other activities including educational efforts, or controlling nuisance species.

“I want to say thank you to the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, to Director Taotasi Archie Soliai, and Chief Wildlife Biologist Adam Miles for their roles in all this important work,” Amata said. “Our wildlife is such a part of what makes our islands beautiful and healthy. If passed, these funds would go toward the Department’s local conservation efforts for future generations.”

RAWA has nationwide support from a variety of conservation and sportsmen groups and leaders. Once enacted, the Act would strengthen preservation efforts in every region, and promote the long-term prospects of fish and wildlife.

RAWA is the biggest investment in wildlife and habitat conservation in a generation, dedicating almost $1.4 billion to these efforts through the Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program. This program funds efforts in the States, Territories, and Tribal nations.

RAWA would:

            •           Fund conservation efforts dedicated to 12,000 species of wildlife and plants.

            •           Invest in recovery of 1,600 species listed as threatened or endangered.

            •           Ensure proactive wildlife recovery efforts are guided by the congressionally-authorized State Wildlife Action Plans according to greatest conservation need.

            •           Focus on areas of greatest need and invest in protecting at-risk plant species.